In December 2020, 8-year-old Dave Chief Quansah Acheampong from Jack and Jill School in Accra clinched the Africa Under-9 Chess Championship title at the African Schools Individual Chess Championship, hosted online due to COVID-19.
The first Ghanaian to win this continental contest, Dave outshone 105 players from countries like Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, Egypt, Angola, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Morocco.
Resilience in Competition
Dave, Ghana’s Under-8 champion, started the five-day tournament with a first-round win but suffered three consecutive losses.
Undeterred, he showcased remarkable fighting spirit, winning all five remaining rounds to secure 6 out of 9 points. He edged out top favorites Mohammed Hossam Adham from Egypt and Ranveer Tak from South Africa to claim the title.
Father’s Pride and Mentorship
David Acheampong, Dave’s father and founder of Mentors Chess Academy, introduced his son to chess at age four.
“Dave loves the game and is an asset to Ghana,” he told reporters post-ceremony. Having won local competitions, Dave’s continental triumph marks his biggest achievement yet, inspiring hopes of him becoming a grandmaster.
Impact on Ghana Chess
The Ghana Chess Association expressed surprise at Dave’s feat, despite his reputation as a promising talent. His victory, the first of its kind for a Ghanaian, highlights the potential for chess growth in the country, where football often overshadows other sports.
David Acheampong urged more children to embrace chess for its problem-solving and analytical benefits.
Global Stage Awaits
For his victory, the African Chess Confederation awarded Dave a roundtrip economy class ticket to compete at the World Schools Individual Chess Championships in Halkidiki, Greece, from May 2–11, 2021. There, he will face champions from other continents, aiming to further his dream of becoming a grandmaster.
Future Support Needed
David Acheampong emphasized the need for support to sustain Dave’s progress. “Consistency is key for this young prodigy,” he said, calling for resources to fund coaching and international tournaments. Dave’s success, inspired by figures like Magnus Carlsen and Uganda’s Phiona Mutesi, signals a bright future for Ghanaian chess.
